Annual Tomato Tasting at Snyder Farm

On August 29, the 2012 Great Tomato Tasting at the Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research and Extension Farm drew an estimated crowd of 1,400 to sample more than 100 varieties of tomatoes along with basil, peaches, apples, melons, honey and more. New to this year’s event was a chef demonstration and tasting by Rutgers Dining Services, arranged by Executive Director of Rutgers Dining Services Joe Charette and organized by Peggy Policastro (Nutritional Sciences). The demonstration featured Smoked Tomato Bisque, created by Chef Peter Imranyi, and three salsas: Jersey Peach and Tomato; Jersey Tomato, Avocado and Mango; and Jersey Tomato, Cucumber and Dill, prepared by Chef Dave Mulé. This annual event was chaired by Nick Polanin (Somerset County) and the committee included Joe Gyurian (Somerset County), Rebecca Magron (Hunterdon County), Peter Nitzsche (Morris County) and Snyder Farm’s John Grande, Ed Dager, Joanne Stevely, Pam Petropoulos, and Pat Lobb. More than 200 Master Gardeners volunteered to pick, clean, cut produce, and serve to attendees. Master Gardeners on the organizing committee were Mimi McWold, Eva Burrell, and John and Peggy Moskway. The Great Tomato Tasting also collaborated with Rutgers Against Hunger to collect nonperishable items from the public. This year, 402 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected at the event and donated to local food pantries.